So the problem may lie with something in your urinary system that is preventing your bladder from voiding completely. As Dr Gillespie says, "If you can move dirt on the pavement with your stream, instead of 'tinkling' drops out, you will not get a bladder infection."

We are surprised that your urologist has not investigated whether the problem lies with any prostate problems. The actual basis for repeated infection may lie in a slightly enlarged prostate, which will impede a fast and efficient flow of urine.

Usually, when doctors start poking and prodding and doing tests, they will unearth something and, in your case, they have come up with diverticulitis, which can be related to the problem of sinus formation and constant bladder infection. Diverticulosis is a condition where the walls of the intestine balloon out like a bubble of chewing gum. Diverticulitis results when these little pockets become infected. Diverticulosis undoubtedly is linked to the Western diet of processed, low fibre food, but it can

sometimes develop in people who have some genetic weakness, just as varicose veins can develop in those predisposed to it.

We spoke to our panel member Harald Gaier, who tells us that, although scar tissue will form because of these sinuses, it will not be large enough to cause such a narrowing of the bowel or diverticulosis, which is a weakness in the bowel, not a narrowing of it.

Even assuming it is, chopping out a huge chunk of your bowel seems a drastic measure. They've warned you that you risk a ruptured bowel, peritonitis and a colostomy without the surgery. But have they warned you that you risk all three with the surgery as well? And nobody, not even the most confident surgeon, can claim that there will be no side effects. There may be, but there may not be. Our mail bag is full of letters from people whose health was wrecked by a doctor who assured them that there were no risks with his procedure.

As you have consulted with a surgeon, he is naturally going to favour surgery. And as your GP is so unforthcoming, it might be prudent to seek a private consultation with a gastroenterologist. Since he does not make his money from surgery, he might be able to suggest alternatives and confirm whether you do need surgery.

In the meantime, there are several alternatives you can try to firm up the diverticular pockets and avoid infection there. Although it's difficult to completely reverse diverticular pockets, Boiron, the French homoeopathic company, produces a suppository called Rectobyl, which has a good track record for firming up these pockets and making sure they don't become larger.

Other homoeopathic remedies like Colosynthis or Belladonna at low potencies have much anecdotal evidence of success.

Besides homoeopathic remedies, you can try certain herbal remedies, which have solid evidence of treating diverticulitis. Dr David Mowrey recommends that you take a combination herbal of goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis), liquorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra), gentian root (Gentiana lutea) papaya leaf (Carica papaya), myrrh gum (Commiphora myrrha), Irish moss (Chondrus crispus), fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenum graecum) and ginger root (Zingiber officinale) (The Scientific Validation of Herbal Medicine, New Canaan, Connecticut: Keats Publishing, 1966). This combination is known to soothe and heal a variety of problems of the gastrointestinal tract, including diverticulitis and ulcers. Any competent herbalist can have such a formula made up for you.

What Doctors Don’t Tell You is one of the few publications in the world that can justifiably claim to solve people's health problems - and even save lives. Our monthly newsletter gives you the facts you won't......more

Disclaimer: The information provided on HealthWorld Online is for educational purposes only and IS NOT intended as a substitute for
professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek professional medical advice from your physician or other qualified
healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Are you ready to embark on a personal wellness journey with our whole person approach?